NPR Does Russia By Rail

It's no secret that I think rail travel is still one of the most romantic and interesting ways to travel over long distances. I'd love to take a cross continental train-trip, stopping in various places along the way, and soaking up the scenery from a comfortable car, while chatting with friends and other passengers.

Someone at NPR obviously agrees with me, as they've sent reporter David Greene and photographer David Gilkey on a 6000 mile odyssey across Russia By Rail. They two Davids started in Moscow and end their journey in Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean, covering the entire length of the famous Trans-Siberian Railway. Along the way, they got the chance to experience modern Russia in all of its glory.

This special report kicked off yesterday and will continue through tomorrow. It features a number of great stories about how Russia's tumultuous history has shaped the country even today, and takes a look at where it is headed now that twenty years have passed since the fall of the Soviet Union. Greene's words introduce us to the Russian people and give us a glimpse of their daily lives, while Gilkey's amazing photographs capture moments in time from their epic journey.

Russia By Rail is equal parts travelogue, investigative reporting, and photo journalism. It all comes together very well, and will likely inspire some thoughts of making the journey for yourself.

Video: Trekking The Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal

Looking for your next big hiking adventure? Than consider the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal, which runs for more than 1700km (1056 miles) through the High Himalaya. The video below was created by someone who hiked the trail and gives a great indication of what to expect while on it. It looks like an amazing hike.

Thanks to Julian Monroe Fisher for sharing this on his Facebook page.

Ten Travel Adventures For 2012

Awhile back, when posting on Nat Geo's selection of adventure travel destinations for 2012, I indicated that I would also be sharing a similar list in the near future. That list has just gone live over at Gadling.com, and you can read it by clicking here.

When compiling my list of travel adventures for the year ahead, I wanted to do something a bit different this year. Rather than sharing a generic rundown of great destinations - which we all probably know about already - I thought I would share some very specific trips instead. So, for instance, one of the adventures that earned a spot on my list is a last degree journey to the South Pole. But rather than just write about that experience, I also posted a link to the Adventure Consultants page where you can actually book that trip for yourself. I figured that rather than just recommend some amazing trips, I'd also give readers the opportunity to go out and do it for themselves.

Other options that earned a spot on my list this year include visiting Yellowstone in the Winter (one of my personal favorites!), cycling the Silk Road, and climbing Pumori with the Peak Freaks. Obviously this list is made up of some of my own personal picks for great travel adventures, but I tried to find a little something for everyone and unique experience that some people might not have even known was possible.  Some of the trips are incredibly demanding, others a bit more laid back. Some are quite expensive ($52,500 to go to the South Pole!) and others relatively cheap. But each is a trip that most would consider a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will spawn stories for years to come.

So? What are your plans for the year ahead? Have you decided where you would like to travel in 2012 and what adventures you would like pursue? I'm still considering my options at this point, although I have a few thoughts on where I'd like to end up. For now, I'm going to see where the winds take me, but may make more concrete plans in the very near future. I like that approach and I think it fits well with the optimism that comes with the start of a new year.

Circling The Globe In A Wheelchair

Looking for your daily dose of inspiration? Then look no further than this interview with Andy Campbell from the Adventure Journal. Campbell, who broke his back in a climbing accident eight years ago, has big plans for 2012, as he plans to circle the globe in his wheelchair, covering more than 30,000 miles in the process.

In the AJ interview, Andy says that he intends to travel from the U.K. to China via "arm-powered" transport, then skip across the Pacific to Alaska, and proceed south to Chile. He'll undertake this incredible journey in order to raise £1 million for the Chutkara Initiative, a new charity that is dedicated to funding outdoor gear and equipment for disabled people who want to continue leading healthy, active lives, despite their disability.

Andy goes on to discuss the gear he'll be taking on his expedition, including a specially designed off-road wheelchair that has been built to handle the rigors of the trail. He also shares insights into his training regimen, and some thoughts on the challenges that he'll face on his journey.

The plan is to launch the circumnavigation by wheelchair attempt in June of this year, when Campbell and his support crew well set out from London to take on the world. He estimates that it will take him roughly two years to complete his adventure, which will cross four continents and take on diverse natural environments ranging from deserts, to mountains, and much more.



Freedom from andy campbell on Vimeo.

Video: Backpacking Around The World In Five Minutes

In 2011, Kien Lam spent 343 days traveling around the world, visiting 17 countries in the process. Along the way, he took 6237 photos, and now has compiled them into the five minute timelapse video below. The video now serves as a great reminder of the year that has just passed, and an excellent inspiration for the finding our own adventures in the year ahead. Enjoy!

Apa Sherpa To Hike Great Himalayan Trail

Two famous Sherpa mountain guides are preparing to embark on another epic adventure in mid-January, when they set off to hike the entire length of the 1700km (1056 mile) Great Himalayan Trail. Starting on January 15th, Apa Sherpa and Dawa Steven Sherpa will begin the trek, which is expected to take roughly 120 days to complete.

Touted as the highest altitude long distance trail in the world, the GHT isn't likely to pose much of a problem for these two men. Apa has reached the summit of Everest an astounding 21 times, while Dawa has been to the top of the world's highest peak on two occasions himself. They've chosen to undertake this latest challenge in an effort to raise the profile of the trail and bring economic investment to its development. They'll begin their journey in eastern Nepal in the village of Ghunsa and will march west until they reach the town of Darchula. Along the way, they'll pass through 20 different districts, surrounded by the unmatched mountain landscapes of the Himalaya.

Along the way, Apa and Dawa will also be looking to raise awareness of the impact of global climate change on the region as well. That has been a particularly important topic with the Sherpas over the past few years, as mountain glaciers retreat, taking their fresh water supply with them. This is an important issue for Nepal, particularly in remote rural areas, where villagers often have to walk for hours each day just to collect fresh water.

Hopefully the two men will post updates along the way and will share their journey online. In the past Apa has often posted about his Everest climbs online, and if he does something similar with this trek, I'll post regular updates on their progress here.

The GHT sounds like an amazing experience and I hope that it garners more attention amongst trekkers and backpackers.

Gear Box: Ortovox Supersoft Base Layer

One of the things I love about testing out new gear is that occasionally I come across some really great items from a company that whose gear I've never used before. That's exactly the case with the new Supersoft Base Layers from Ortovox that I've had the pleasure of testing out over the past few weeks. Specifically, the Long Sleeve men's zipped top.

I first got a look at the Ortovox line-up at Outdoor Retailer back in August, where I was very impressed with the design of their gear. Everything they had on display had a fresh and unique look and seemed really high quality. Needless to say, when I received the zipped base layer a few weeks back, I was excited to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to my expectations. I soon found out that it definitely did.

Living in Austin, Texas we don't really get a true winter. It rarely snows here and cold weather doesn't hang around long. But this fall, it has been especially cool and damp for a prolonged period of time. As a result, I've had good weather to test this top while on nightly runs or mountain bike rides, during which it performed admirably on its own or as a layer underneath a shell.
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Ortovox uses a blend of fabrics in this shirt, mixing soft, high quality merino wool on the outside, with a natural fabric known as modal, which is made from beech wood cellulose, on the inside. The result is base layer that breathes well, stretches and moves with the wearer, and provides plenty of warmth in cool and cold conditions. The shirt fits snugly, but doesn't feel restrictive in the least, even when you have the zipper pulled up tightly around your neck, as I did on one recent run in which it started to rain halfway to the finish line.

One thing I always appreciate in my gear is versatility, and this base layer offers that as well. Not only is it an excellent piece of gear for active pursuits like running or cycling, but it also looks good enough to wear around town as well. Throw in the fact that it makes an excellent start to a three-layer cold weather clothing system (base, fleece, shell) and you have an excellent article of clothing to take with you when you travel as well. The shirt would serve equally well strolling the streets of Paris as it would on the slopes in Chamonix.

With an MSRP of $120, this isn't a base layer for someone who isn't going to appreciate its performance and quality. But if you're an active outdoor enthusiast who doesn't let a little thing like cold weather slow you down, then you're likely to appreciate what Ortovox is delivering here. It is a very high quality piece of gear that will likely become one of your favorite pieces of clothing for winter adventures or travels. I know it'll be joining me on future journeys.

Video: Montana: Shaped by Winter

Speaking of adventurous destinations. My friends over at the Montana Office of Tourism released the video below a few months back, but now that winter is just a few days away, it makes for an even better reminder of what that state has to offer. I was lucky enough to visit Montana and Yellowstone last January, and absolutely loved it. The video below will tell you why you should go soon too!



MONTANA: Shaped by Winter from Montana Office of Tourism on Vimeo.

Nat Geo's Adventure Travel Destinations For 2012

As 2011 grinds to its inevitable end, it is now time to start looking forward to 2012 and making plans for our adventures in the year that is ahead. With that in mind, the National Geographic Adventure blog has shared their picks for the top destinations and activities for 2012.

Some of the places earning a spot on the list include Mammoth Mountain in California, which is famous for its great snowboarding and skiing. Those looking for a different kind of mountain experiences are encouraged to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a mountain biking adventure or visit China to take on the 7498 meter (24,600 ft) tall Mustagata. Paddlers will have plenty to choose from as well, as the list provides kayaking opportunities in Idaho and Rhode Island, as well as an epic canoe trip through the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania.

All in all, a pretty great list of suggestions for making plans for next year. I'll be writing my own top ten travel list for Gadling.com soon, and this year I'm going to take a slightly different tact. Instead of listing a specific destination, I'm going to list a specific adventure from a specific travel company that can help you get the most out of your travels. So, rather than saying go to Nepal because its great for the following reasons, I'm going to instead recommend trekking the Annapurna Circuit with a specific adventure travel company. This is just an example, but I'll be sure to share my list here once it goes live over at Gadling too. I think you'll like some of the suggestions.

Until that time, be sure to read Nat Geo's list, as it does have some great suggestions, not all of which will destroy your bank account.

New Website For Adventure Travelers

A good looking new travel website launched recently, bringing good coverage to adventure destinations across the globe. The new site, entitled Switchback Travel, is already rich with content and offers articles on several destinations which will no doubt be of interest to readers of this blog as well.

Amongst the stories already posted on the site are an article about hiking in the French Pyrenees, exploring the backroads of Maui, and the climbing, paddling, and backpacking options on the Norway's Lofoten Islands. That last article is part of a much larger feature on Norway itself, which is billed as Europe's true wilderness. Other articles take a look at the Great Himalayan Trail, something I've written about myself, and give advice on the best camera to take on your next adventure.

All in all, Switchback looks like it is a nice addition to the online travel community, and with its focus on adventure travel, I'm sure I'll be reading it regularly and using it as a resource for future trips of my own. I like the nice use of photography on the site, and the writing is comprehensive and insightful as well. The site is most definitely off to a good start, so be sure to check it out.

Five Great Laptops For Travelers

My recent trip to the Caribbean was filled with lots of fun activities, including hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. It wasn't all just about fun in the sun however, as the trip was hosted by Microsoft, who assembled a group of travel writers to give us the scoop on some fantastic tools and laptops that could be of benefit for travelers of all types.

Some of those tools included cloud storage service Skydrive, which is a great way to share video and photos from your trip, and Movie Maker and Windows Live Photo Gallery which help to edit them into masterpieces that your friends and family will actually want to look at.

But the real treat was getting to play with some hot new laptops that have a lot to offer travelers who want to stay connected while on the go. For the past few years, Apple's MacBook Air has been the undisputed king of travel computes, but now Windows users have some really good options as well. Here are five of them to consider when it comes time to upgrade your technology.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1
This is a laptop designed for adventure travelers. The ThinkPad X1 is a ruggedized PC that can withstand plenty of punishment and even features a water resistant keyboard. You can, quite literally, pour a bucket of water over the machine, and it will continue to run just fine. Sure, ruggedized PC's have been around for while, the Panasonic ToughBook is a well known example, but the X1 weighs in at just 3.7 pounds and is less than an inch thick. It features USB 3.0, which is perfect charging gadgets on the go, a 160GB solid state drive, and a battery that lasts nearly 6 hours on a single charge. Lenovo has built a rugged computer that can go just about anywhere and survive the rigors of the road.

Take this one with you to Everest Base Camp. (MSRP: $1773)

Asus Zenbook UX21
For travelers who like to travel light, the new Zenbook from Asus is the perfect option. This laptop features an 11 inch screen and weighs only 2.4 pounds. It's also super-thin, just 3mm in the front and 9mm at its thickest point in the back. Battery life is a respectable 5 hours and the Intel Core i7 processor provides plenty of power for all your mobile needs. Slip this one into your carryon bag, and you'll barely know its there. The Zenbooks stylish good looks will likely turn heads as well.

Take this one with you on a month long trip through Europe (MSRP: $999)

Sony Vaio Z
The SonyVaio Z is the workhorse of this group, providing mobile workstation power in a thin and light body. The Vaio Z is just 2.5 pounds and .7 inches thick, which is remarkable for a machine that has the ability to drive three external monitors at once. This machine is truly designed for the business traveler, as it features a 7 hour battery life out of the box and gives you have the option to add a sheet battery that extends that life to an amazing 16 hours, without adding much in the way of bulk. That means, you can hop a flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, use your laptop the entire way, and never have to worry about a recharge. Designed for to handle everything from e-mail and games to heavy duty video editing, this is a great option for when you absolutely need to get work done while you travel.

Take this one with you on a flight across the Pacific. The rest of the cabin will be jealous when their machines run out of juice before the halfway point. (MSRP: $1999)

Toshiba Portege R830
Another light and thin, yet durable option, Toshiba has built the Portege R830 to be both powerful and affordable. With a magnesium case and a specially designed shock-resistant system, this laptop is built to withstand the abuse that comes along with travel. Slightly heavier and thicker than other machines on this list, the Portege is unique in that it still includes a DVD drive, something that is becoming increasingly rare in our cloud-based, streaming media world. Battery life is a strength as well, keeping you up and running for eight hours, while powering the LED-backlit screen and surround sound.

Take this one with you when you have kids to entertain. The DVD drive will come in handy and the machine can handle the abuse from kids too! (MSRP: $799)

Samsung Series 9 - Special Edition
Built from Duralumin, the same material as some modern aircraft, the Samsung Series 9 is both rugged and beautiful. The metal casing protects the laptop nicely, while keeping it thin and light at the same time. The Series 9 is just .6 inches thin and tips the scale at a shade under 3 pounds. It still packs plenty of technology however, including a 13.3 inch backlit LED LCD screen, USB 3.0 and HDMI ports, a 7 hour battery life, and an illuminated keyboard. Throw in premium sound and a 128GB SSID drive, and you have a laptop that would make James Bond jealous.

Take this one with you everywhere! (MSRP: $1649)

Book Review: 10: Celebrating Ten Years of the Tour d'Afrique Bicycle Race and Expedition

It has been nearly six years since I started writing this blog, and back in those early days I was still finding my voice and deciding what it exactly was that I wanted to write about. I knew that I loved travel and adventure, in all of its many forms, and I wanted to share that passion with anyone who might happen to wander by my little slice of the web. There were oh so many expeditions and travel options to be discovered along the way and continually came across a host of amazing things that I didn't even know were happening, or in some cases, even possible. 

One of the events that I discovered in my online exploration was a little bicycle race/expedition called the Tour d'Afrique – a four month long, 12,000km (7500 mile) bike ride that wandered from Cairo to Cape Town. When I first read about the Tour I was both amazed and intrigued, and I would go on to write about it numerous times over the years, both here and on other websites. To me, the event was, and still is, one of those bucket list items that just seemed too amazing to be believed.

This year, the Tour d'Afrique celebrates its 10th anniversary, which is a testament to the endurance of the race organizers themselves. To celebrate, the company behind the event has released a spectacular coffee table book entitled 10: Celebrating Ten Years of the Tour d’Afrique Bicycle Race and Expedition that is sure to delight adventure travelers, cyclists, and fans of beautiful travel photography.

The 252 page volume oozes quality from every page and features a forward by Henry Gold, the founder of the Tour. A decade ago Gold's concept of running a cycling race from Cairo to Cape Town seemed like a disaster waiting to happen, and many people were happy to tell him so. Now though, the race continues to grow in popularity every year and it has grown to legendary status with long distance and adventure cyclists.

The book offers glimpses into those early days of course, but also follows the evolution of the Tour through the years as well. Many of the riders who have had the privilege of taking part in the event offer quotes about their experiences, and the names of all the riders are immortalized in the tome as well. Reading the text will give you plenty of insight into the challenges and joys of riding through Africa, which features just about every type of terrain and road conditions imaginable.

But the real draw of the book is the photography. There are amazing images on nearly every page, and on my first go through the book, I found myself flipping very rapidly through the pages, just so I could see what was waiting on the next one. Fortunately, I was able to control myself on subsequent readings, taking my time to stop and really soak in the images, which are a great mix of cycling, culture, and travel.

10 is a true work of art, that deftly mixes a love for adventure with a love for Africa. If you've never visited that continent, this book will only inspire you to make the trip yourself – preferably on the back of a bicycle. It is a perfect introduction to the Tour for those who aren't familiar with and a tantalizing look at the event for those of us who have only dreamed about it. For those who have already ridden the epic ride, I can only imagine that this is the next best thing to be there.

10: Celebrating Ten Years of the Tour d’Afrique Bicycle Race and Expedition would make an amazing holiday present for the adventurer, cyclist, or traveler on your list this season. It is beautiful, inspiring, and bold, all at the same time. Order here for $80 US or Canadian. $110 internationally.

New Long Distance Trekking Trail Set To Open In New Zealand

Long distance hikers looking for a new challenge will have one starting December 3rd. That's when the Te Araroa foot trail opens in New Zealand, offering a  route that is more than 3000km (1864 miles) in length, stretching from north to south across the entire country.

Te Araroa, which means The Long Pathway, stretches from Cape Reinga, in the northernmost tip of New Zealand's North Island to Bluff, located in at the southernmost end of the South Island. Walking the entire length of the trail will take backpackers through thick forests, past verdant farmland, up volcanoes and mountains, and across open meadows. The trail even passes through seven cities, which will serve as great starting and ending points or places to resupply.

Building this epic trail was no small feat, as it was mainly accomplished by volunteers who worked many long years to link up a series of trails and fill in open spaces on the map. In fact, it took more than 17 years to complete this project, with all kinds of legal, technical, and physical challenges that had to be overcome in order to bring it into existence.

The official opening ceremony will take place at 10 AM local time on December 3rd in Wellington, which is almost exactly the middle point of the trail. After that, it'll be officially open for long distance hikers, and the countdown will begin as to who will be the first to trek it end-to-end.

Cool story and a great new trail. Thanks to Lou-Phi for sharing. I'm sure you're already plotting your adventures on the Te Araroa my friend.

Gear Box: SteriPEN Freedom Water Purifier

When I made the trek to Everest Base Camp last year, I had the opportunity to test a truck-load of gear. One of the items that performed the best and left a lasting impression was the SteriPEN Journey, a water purification device that uses ultraviolet light to remove all the harmful elements from our drinking water. On that trip, I put the Journey to good use, and unlike most of my companions, I had no issues with getting sick while on the trail. Because of that experience, I vowed to never travel without a SteriPEN in my pack again, although I did feel there was room for improvement in the device.

Fast forward a year and a half, and SteriPEN has introduced several new products, including the just released Freedom. This new addition to the line-up brings some much appreciated improvements over the Journey, making it the best SteriPEN yet.

One of my few criticisms of the Journey was that it was powered by a CR123 battery, which is a bit of an odd size and difficult to find when traveling abroad. Granted, the battery is rated for 100 uses, but the last thing you want is for it to die, without a back-up, while you're in a remote location. The Freedom has remedied this situation by incorporating a rechargeable battery pack. The downside? The battery is only good for 40 uses before needing a recharge.

Fortunately, recharging the Freedom is fairly quick and easy. It can be accomplished by using the included AC adapter or via USB. That means that while on the go, you can juice up your SteriPEN using your laptop or even a portable solar charger such as the Brunton Restore. Charge times varied depending on the method you use. The AC adapter took a little more than two hours to complete while USB on a laptop added about another hour. Using the solar charger took roughly double that amount of time.

When it is fully charged, using the Freedom is as easy as can be. You simply remove the plastic cover from the UV lamp, immerse it in water, and start stirring. The built in sensors will detect the liquid and light the lamp automatically. An LED light in the handle will blink green to indicate that the Freedom is working properly – that same light will stop blinking and remain lit when the process is complete. It typically takes 48 seconds to purify a half-liter of water and the process can be repeated to clean a full liter of water.

As with all SteriPEN devices, when used properly, the Freedom will remove 99.9% of all the harmful bacteria, viruses, and other harmful elements from our water. That means we can safely drink the water no matter where we are on the planet, and if you've ever visited remote locations in developing countries, you know how important that can be.

Weighing in at just 2.6 ounces, and measuring about five inches in length, the Freedom is small, lightweight, and very compact. The Journey wasn't exactly large either, but it is always nice to slim down our gear when ever possible, and ultralight hikers, backpackers, and travelers will appreciate just how small the device actually is.

MSRP on the SteriPEN Freedom is $120, which is quite a bit more expensive than buying iodine tablets for adding to your water. However, purification tablets are not always relabel and they can make your water taste funny too. When I'm traveling abroad, I don't want to risk getting sick, and SteriPEN eliminates nearly all chances of that happening. For that alone, the Freedom is worth every penny, and it will definitely be a permanent fixture in my backpack.

Soldier Told He'd Never Walk Again Now Trekking To Everest Base Camp

In 2007, British solider Jonathan La Galloudec was wounded in combat while serving in Iraq. The young man was hit in the spine by gunfire, and doctors told him that he would never walk again. Not taking no for an answer however, Jonathan continued to work hard, rehab from his injuries, and focused on getting his life back to normal. His hard work paid off, and while he remains partially paralyzed, he did learn to walk once more.

Now, the former solider is making the trek to Everest Base Camp as part of an expedition to support the Help For Heroes organization, a non-proft dedicated to raising money to help servicemen and women who have suffered injuries in the line of duty. A few days back, Jonathan and his team began the trek, which will take him up to 5364 meters (17,600 ft.), the location of Base Camp on the world's tallest mountain. You can follow his progress by clicking here.

The expedition is sponsored by Energizer, who have pledged to donate £100,000 ($160,000) to the H4H organization, plus an addition £20,000 for reaching specific targets in Facebook likes. The overall goal is to raise £500,000 ($800,000) total. You can aid in that cause by going to the Everest Hero Diary page on Facebook and clicking the "Like" button.

According to the PR on this trek, since being wounded, Jonathan has struggled at times just to go for a walk in the rain, as the conditions made it difficult for him to get around. Considering that weather conditions in the Himalaya have been less than ideal lately, the young man could be having a rough go of it on this hike. Even in the best of conditions however, the trek can take its toll on those who aren't prepared. When I did it last year, I saw perfectly healthy people struggle with the altitude and steep climbs. Still, La Galloudec seems determined to reach his goal, and if everything goes as planned, he should be in EBC by November 22nd.

Learn more about Jonathan and this trek in the video below.

Video: The Spirit of the Mongol Rally

As 2011 winds to its inevitable close, it is time to start thinking ahead to our 2012 adventures. One of the events that has become an annual staple on the adventure calendar these past few years is the Mongol Rally, a 10,000 mile road race from London (and other cities) to Ulaan Baatar, the capitol of Mongolia. Next year's edition of the Rally will get underway on July 14th, but the organizers of the event have released a fantastic new video that is guaranteed to whet your appetite and get you planning for your own road trip to Mongolia. The video also serves as a great introduction to what the Rally is all about for those who have never heard of it before.

Win A Trip To South Africa By Starring In A Commercial

Have you always wanted to earn international fame while jet setting across the globe? Than I have just the opportunity for you. South African Tourism is looking for an American couple between the ages of 24-36, who are either married or in a committed relationship, to star in a new commercial that will air on CNN International, the BBC, and other major networks across the globe. The commercial will be a part of their new 20 Experiences in 10 Days campaign, which is designed to convince travelers that SA is a fun, adventurous, and romantic destination. The luck couple will be whisked away for an all expense paid trip to film the commercial, while also indulging in everything that South Africa has to offer. 

To apply for consideration, simply go to the Visit South Africa Facebook page and click on the very prominent banner on display there. After that, simply fill out the application form that downloads to your computer, submit it, and keep your fingers crossed. The application deadline is November 28th and if you're selected for the next round, you must be able to attend an audition in either New York or Lose Angeles in early December. The couple that is ultimately selected, must also be available to travel from January 20th - February 5th of 2012. 

While in South Africa, the winning couple will stay at luxury resorts, visit the country's famous wine country, surf and spot whales along the coast, and go on a wildlife safari. All of their adventures will be filmed of course, and eventually turned into the commercial, which will air in a number of countries around the world. 

Having visited South Africa earlier this year, I can tell you that this is a great opportunity. The country is simply spectacular and I definitely recommend it as a destination for anyone looking to mix culture, luxury and adventure. It sounds like this trip will pack in a lot of activity and give the winners a chance to really see everything the country has to offer. 

Bad Weather Strands Trekkers In Lukla Again

Efforts to evacuate trekkers from Lukla, Nepal are underway today after bad weather has left many stranded for the past six days. The small mountain town has one of the few airports in the High Himalaya,  and is the starting point for most climbers and hikers who are making the trek to Mt. Everest. Rain and fog have made it impossible for planes to land at the airport, which is already amongst the most dangerous in the world, preventing anyone from returning to Kathmandu.

All told, about 2000 travelers have been stranded in the village since last week, although CNN reports that some left yesterday on foot for the town of Jiri. It is a four day hike to that location, but once there, the trekkers will be able to board buses back to Kathmandu. Meanwhile, helicopters have begun shuttling people back to Nepal's capitol, with most expected to be evacuated today and another 500 or so taken out tomorrow.

You may recall that hundreds of trekkers were stuck in Lukla last November as well, as poor weather can be a real issue this time of year in the Himalaya. Compounding the issue, Lukla isn't exactly set-up to house large amounts of people for days at a time, as there are limited rooms available in the tea houses and food needs to be delivered on the incoming planes.

On my visit to the village last year, we stayed over night in Lukla on our return trip from Everest Base Camp. It was one of the more well stocked and comfortable locations along the trek, but that still isn't saying much. Most people come and go very quickly from the town and I suspect with 2000 people stranded there, they had to resort to setting up tents where ever possible and rationing food and drinks to a degree. Fortunately, it seems that the issues are finally being resolved.

The other side of this story is of course the people that are stranded in Kathmandu who were hoping to go on their trek right now. They haven't been able to fly out to Lukla for the past week either, so I'm sure they are more than eager to hit the trail. No word on when that will start happening, and while the weather is improving, it hasn't gotten dramatically better just yet.

Gear Box: Mountain Hardwear Jovian Jacket

Before I start my review of the Mountain Hardwear Jovian Jacket, I have a disclaimer that I must get out. I'm a big fan of Mountain Hardwear gear. I mean a BIG fan. I have several pieces of their gear in my closet, and it has always performed above and beyond my expectations when I've needed it most. I've always found their equipment to be well designed, incredibly durable, and a good value for the money. I've always appreciated the company's attention to detail and obvious connection with their core market, providing outstanding products that can survive anything we throw at it. 

Now, that said, if you're looking for the short version of my review of the Jovian Jacket, here it is: This very lightweight, highly packable shell is simply amazing and only served to enhance my already high opinion of Mountain Hardwear gear. 

With that out of the way, here's what the the Jovian has to offer. The jacket uses the company's patented Dry.Q Elite fabrics, which are designed to be very durable and dry, even in the harshest of conditions, while remaining highly breathable at the same time. The fabrics are designed to vent quickly, so that we don't overheat while on a strenuous hike or climb. 

This was my first chance to put Dry.Q to the test, and it more than lived up to the hype. I was impressed not only at how well it repelled any and all water thrown at it, but kept me comfortable and dry at all times.

As you would expect from Mountain Hardwear, this jacket has all kinds of great little touches that add to the value. For instance, you'll find ample storage in the five pockets, including one inside the shell itself. Those pockets are sealed up very tightly, thanks to high quality zippers, which keep everything inside nice and dry as well.  The large, wide brimmed, hood is spacious enough to accommodate a helmet, yet still seals up snugly to prevent water from leaking inside, while the extra-long pit vents further aid in venting out excess heat. Throw in a design that allows for unrestricted movement, even while wearing layers underneath, and you have a nearly perfect shell for your outdoor adventures.

I say almost perfect, as there are a few caveats to be aware of when purchasing the Jovian. First, this isn't exactly the warmest shell around, which is understandable considering it tips the scales at just 19 ounces. Mountain Hardwear was going for a more minimalist approach with this jacket, and as a result, it probably isn't the best choice for winter excursions. The other minor nuisance are those zippers I mentioned above. While they do a great job in helping to keep moisture out, they also can be a challenge to open and close, sometimes requiring both hands to actually operate. They do loosen up a bit over time, but they are still on the stiff side. 

That said, the Jovian is one of the most versatile jackets you'll ever find. It will serve outdoor enthusiasts well on what ever adventures they embark on. Whether you're bagging peaks, backpacking, or simply making your morning bike commute, the Jovian is a jacket you'll appreciate. Heck, it's so comfortable and reliable,  you can wear it around town in bad weather, and still appreciate its design. Clearly, Mountain Hardwear has another winner on their hands. 

The MSRP on this jacket is $475 but TravelCountry.com currently has it on sale for just $380.

Video: Amazing Afghani Landscapes and People

Afghanistan has the potential to be an amazing destination for adventure travel. The country has some of the most spectacular and remote mountains on the planet, and there are numerous spectacular opportunities to trek and climb there. Unfortunately, the country has also been plagued with war for decades, making certain areas less than safe to visit.

The video below gives us a glimpse of just how beautiful Afghanistan is, showing off scenes of the breathtaking landscapes there. It also shows us the resilient and wonderful people that live there as well. Watching this only makes me want to visit the country for myself.



Afghanistan – touch down in flight from Augustin Pictures on Vimeo.